immerse yourselves in local tradition

The question I get asked most is, “Anna, where should we eat?” This is a very difficult question to answer, because there are far too many wonderful places that not only serve delicious food, but also give you insight into Sienese and Tuscan culinary tradition. Want to learn more? How about a cooking class or a trip to the market? By now you’re probably also thirsty, so “wine not” (get it?) learn about vino? And now you’d like a unique souvenir? No problem! Here are just some of my recommendations to help make your Siena trip unforgettable (along with a tour with me, ovviamente!).

Chianti Classico in the heart of Siena

Learn why San Giovese really is the king of grapes and how to best savour some of Italy’s finest! Join Simona and Besart as they take you through this region’s most famous red wine, glass by glass. Via delle Terme 10, https://www.perlageenoteca.it/clantis/.

Rent a Polaroid camera for the day and see how many things you can find! Alice and her team at Peace&Road have written some marvellous books about Siena, and you can fill them with your own snapshots for a fantastic souvenir! Location: Via dei Fusari 20.

What exactly is a truffle, and how can you find one? Just ask Alessandro, then follow Moka and Pepita to see where they hide. Vicolo dei Pollaioli 6 (Piazza del Campo), https://www.sienatartufi.com/.

Join Fabio and Lucia at Kobakabana to learn how this tasty treat is made! Or if you just want to do some culinary research, you must visit la Vecchia Latteria and the award-winning il Masgalano!

The Scuola di Cucina da Lella and the Fontegiusta Scuola di Cucina will teach you local secrets (which you’ll then eat at the end!).

Perhaps you want to do some cooking whilst you’re here, so you should definitely plan on going to the Wednesday mercato at the Fortezza (also a great place to get clothes, housewares, and more!), the Friday organic market at la Lizza, and the Consorzio Agrario in the heart of town.

Can’t get to the Val d’Orcia? Then let the Val d’Orcia come to you! One of the original DOCG wines, Brunello is one of Italy’s finest wines. Don’t skip the Nobile di Montepulciano either, and ask Federico about his Etruscan tomb! Via della Sapienza 66, https://cantinadelbrunello.com.

Perlage has an incredible collection of sparkling wines from all over Europe, and beyond! Simona and Besart are also experts in this field (the 2 shops are both in Piazza Indipendenza, so no need to choose - go to both!). Via delle Terme 27 (Piazza Indipendenza), https://www.perlageenoteca.it/

Siena is not as well known for its sweets as say Sicily (cannoli) or the Veneto (tiramisù), but you cannot leave the city without having tried ricciarelli, panpepato, and cavallucci! Giordano and Michela have a wonderful selection at Dolci & Cantine, and my erhaps my favourite ricciarelli are from the Nuova Pasticceria. For fresh-baked goods, il Magnifico is a must (do not miss their pan co’ santi in October/November!).

I have far too many recommendations, but click below for some of my favourite spots!

(links coming soon)

Imparate l’italiano! Language courses in Siena

To truly immerse yourselves in Sienese culture, you must learn (at least the basics of) the language! Which program is right for you? I recommend Sæna Iulia and the Dante Alighieri schools.

Info coming soon…

There’s so much more, so go explore!

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Siena Experiences

immerse yourselves in local tradition

There’s so much more, so go explore!